PPL and PRS for Music

PPL and PRS for Music are two separate independent companies. Both organisations license the use of music and collect royalties for the music industry, but each represents different rightholders and have separate licences, terms and conditions.

PPL collects and distributes money on behalf of performers and record companies for the use of their recorded music. PRS for Music collects and distributes money on behalf of songwriters, composers and music publishers, for the use of their musical compositions and lyrics.

Make sure you are correctly licensed to play music

The law protects music rights in different ways; this means that businesses and organisations playing recorded music in public (whether live or via CDs, radio/TV broadcasts, background music systems or other sources) will usually need to obtain a licence from both PPL and PRS for Music.

Playing music in public without the appropriate licences in place is copyright infringement and is unfair not only to the members (performers, record companies, songwriters, composers and music publishers) of each of PPL and PRS for Music who are legally entitled to a fair payment for the use of their work, but also to the many other businesses and organisations playing music who have obtained those licences.

The cost of a PPL licence and a PRS for Music licence can depend on several factors, such as business type, the size of your business, and how you use music in your business. To find out the cost of a licence for your business please contact PPL and PRS for Music using the details below.

PPL is the UK-based music licensing company that licenses recorded music played in public or broadcast on the radio or TV and then distributes the licence fees to its performer and record company members. Established in 1934, PPL carries out this role on behalf of tens of thousands of members.

Apply for a PPL licence today. Call the customer service team on 020 7534 1070 or visit ppluk.com

PRS for Music was established in 1914 and is a membership organisation consisting of over 100,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers. It licences the use of its members’ musical compositions and lyrics when they are played in public, broadcast on the radio or TV, used on the internet or copied onto physical products such as CDs or DVDs.

Apply for a PRS for Music licence today. Call the customer service team on 0800 068 4828 or visit prsformusic.com

Make sure you have the correct licences to play musicIf you play recorded music or music videos in your business – including radio or TV – you will almost certainly be legally required to be licensed. In most instances, a licence is required from both PPL and PRS for Music.

The costs of the licences are influenced by a number of factors, including the business type and size. For more information about licensing and how to contact PPL and PRS for Music, please visit our contact information page.

PPL licenses recorded music played in public or broadcast on the radio or TV and then distributes the fees to its thousands of performer and record company members.